Yellow dots save lives

November 19, 2013

ESCANABA - Delta County TRIAD has started the Yellow Dot Program locally, in conjunction with Rampart Emergency Services.

National Yellow Dot program is designed to provide first responders the information critical to treatment, if the victim is incoherent or unresponsive following an automobile accident or medical emergency

The Yellow Dot sticker displayed on an automobile's rear window directs first responders to look for the My Yellow Dot Medical Information Sheet located in the glove box. The form lists emergency contacts, insurance coverage, medical conditions, allergies, current medications and advance directives.

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Jenny Lancour | Daily Press Fran Goetz, an Escanaba resident and Delta County TRIAD member, applies a Yellow Dot sticker to her car to alert emergency personnel of her medical information in her glove box in the event she needs emergency medical care. Goetz read about the national program in an AARP magazine and brought it to the attention of Delta County TRIAD, which addresses senior safety issues.

TRIAD and RSVP have worked together to bring this program to the area. Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation for Delta County, the program is free.

The Yellow Dot Program will be presented to Delta County Seniors on the following dates and places, Gladstone Senior Center today from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Rapid River Senior Center, Nov. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Escanaba Senior Center, Nov. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Representatives from Delta County Triad/RSVP and Rampart will be present at these times to assist people with completing the forms and applying the stickers. There is no charge for the materials, however donations will be accepted to raise funds for the continuation of the program.

If anyone or service organization is interested in donating to the Yellow Dot Program, contact Community Action Agency at 786-7080.

In 1988, AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Sheriff's Association (NSA) signed a cooperative agreement to work at reducing the criminal victimization of older people. This national agreement provides the framework or Delta County law enforcement and senior leaders to from a TRIAD.

The focus of TRIAD programs is determine by senior leaders and law enforcement as they both assess the needs of Delta County's elderly population. The TRIAD's Advisory Council is made up of seniors, law enforcement, business representatives, and senior programming personnel. They meet monthly to share fraud and abuse information and set the direction for TRIAD activities. Some of the current activities sponsored or promoted the Delta County TRIAD are Camp 911 for Seniors, held at the fairgrounds, and the 911 cell phones program which collects and provides free refurbished cell phones for 911 emergency use only. Some past activities include the emergency beacon program, lengthening of the traffic light on Lincoln Road and 25th Street to allow West Highland residents time to safely cross the highway, and creation of a new four-way stop on 1st Avenue South and 25th Street. The Yellow Dot Program is the newest program to be rolled out that addresses senior safety.

The Delta County TRIAD is sponsored by the Menominee Delta Schoolcraft Community Action Agency. The TRIAD also receives funding and support for the Community Foundation for Delta County, U.P. Area Agency on Aging (UPCAP) local businesses and organizations, AARP and community volunteers. Meetings are held every month on the third Tuesday at 11 a.m. and the public is encouraged and welcome to attend. If you are interested in attending a meeting call 786-7080 for the meeting location.